Are Funders Shifting Priorities? DEI, Sustainability & Workforce in 2025

In an era marked by social justice movements, climate urgency, and post‑pandemic recovery, funders are realigning their priorities. In 2025, nonprofit grantmakers are undergoing a profound shift in funding priorities—pivoting toward diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), environmental sustainability, and workforce development. These focus areas aren’t just buzzwords—they’re being elevated to the top of philanthropic agendas by major foundations, corporate CSR programs, and even policy-driven funding initiatives.

Below is a detailed look at the top trends shaping nonprofit grantmaking in 2025:

1. DEI: Still a Major Focus, But Watch for Storm Clouds

• Foundations & corporates are increasingly embedding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) into grant criteria — requiring nonprofits to provide DEI policies, demographic data, and demonstrate equitable outcomes.

• However, federal grantmakers are caught in controversy: a January 2025 executive order halted DEI-focused federal programs (now tied up in legal challenges) .

• In response, some nonprofits share anxieties:

  “We all need to do a rethink in how we describe our mission and implement our programming.” 

• Meanwhile, private funders such as Ford, Open Society, and Kellogg continue to support equity-driven initiatives. 
  

What this means: Nonprofits must bolster their DEI efforts—but stay nimble across funder types and federal caveats.

2. Sustainability & Climate Resilience

• Environmental and sustainability priorities are surging. Many grantmakers, including both public and private, are funding climate resilience, clean energy, biodiversity, and renewable infrastructure 

• Examples include the Gates Foundation sponsoring climate-resilient agriculture, and corporate grants for clean-water and circular economy projects .
  

What this means: Nonprofits—even those in unrelated sectors—should explore program tie‑ins to environmental impact.

3. Workforce Development & Economic Mobility

• Corporations are aligning their CSR efforts with workforce training, especially for underrepresented groups in STEM and trades.

• Simultaneously, nonprofits in skilled trades (e.g., women in construction) face a paradox: increasing need but shrinking federal support for DEI‑linked workforce programs .
  

What this means: Highlight your program’s workforce outcomes—skills gained, job placements, equity—with clear, data-driven narratives.

4. Collaboration, Networks & Collective Impact

• Grantmakers are prioritizing multi‑partner initiatives over standalone efforts. They want efficient, shared-impact models 

• Expect more grants designed for alliances, consortiums, and cross-sector apps.
  

What this means: Forge partnerships and co‑apply where missions align—collaboration is now a competitive advantage.

5. Tech, Innovation & Data-Driven Impact

• Funders want nonprofits to demonstrate impact via metrics and use AI/data tools in programming.

• There’s also support for using tech to solve social issues—cloud platforms, digital inclusion, generative AI pilots.
  

What this means: Invest in data collection and digital capabilities—grant reviewers expect evidence of both.

6. Trust-Based, Flexible Philanthropy

• The trust-based philanthropy movement continues to grow: funders offering unrestricted, multi-year funding with less red tape

• Particularly after COVID, many donors have embraced this relational approach—empowering nonprofits with flexibility and autonomy.
  

What this means: Show that you're a strong steward of funding—ready for outcome-based, flexible grant structures.

Strategic Takeaways for Your Grantwriting

Trend	What to Do
DEI	Audit DEI policies, leadership diversity, and reporting frameworks.
Sustainability	Integrate climate-relevant tie‑ins even if not core focus.
Workforce	Emphasize outcomes in job skills and economic mobility.
Collaboration	Build alliances and pitch joint proposals for shared impact.
Data & Tech	Use tools and analytics to show measurable change.
Trust-Based Models	Propose flexible, multi-year plans; underscore capacity and accountability.

Final Thoughts

2025’s grant landscape rewards nonprofits that are equitable, sustainable, data-savvy, collaborative, and funder-trustworthy. By weaving these priorities into your framing, program design, budgets, and evaluation sections, you can better position your proposals to stand out and win funding in a shifting philanthropic climate.

At Just Write Grants, we specialize in helping nonprofits like yours navigate evolving trends, align proposals with funder expectations, and build grant-ready infrastructure that leads to long-term success. From one-time proposals to full-scale funding strategies, our team can help you plan, write, and win.

📩 Ready to build a funder-aligned grant strategy that works? Reach out to Just Write Grants today—we’re here to help you secure the support your mission deserves.

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